der Hörer
receiver
The part of a traditional telephone that you pick up, hold to your ear, and speak into.
EXAMPLE
Als das Telefon klingelte, nahm sie sofort den Hörer ab.
When the phone rang, she immediately picked up the receiver.
der Hörer
receiver / listener
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Meanings
der Hörer
listener
A person who listens to a radio program, a podcast, or a musical performance; a listener.
EXAMPLE
Der Radiosender bat seine Hörer, für ihren Lieblingssong abzustimmen.
The radio station asked its listeners to vote for their favorite song.
der Hörer
auditor
A person who attends lectures at a university or college without being officially enrolled in a degree program (guest auditor).
EXAMPLE
Als Hörer darf er an den Vorlesungen teilnehmen, aber keine Prüfungen ablegen.
As an auditor, he may attend the lectures but not take any exams.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Hörer' derives directly from the verb 'hören' (to hear/listen). The suffix '-er' forms a noun here that refers either to the person who listens or to the device used for hearing.
EXAMPLE
Wer war der erste Hörer, der die richtige Antwort wusste?
Who was the first listener who knew the correct answer?
Context clue
The context makes it clear which meaning is intended. Words like 'Telefon' (telephone) or 'auflegen' (to hang up) point to the telephone receiver. 'Radio' or 'Podcast' point to the listener, and 'Universität' (university) or 'Vorlesung' (lecture) point to the auditor.
EXAMPLE
Er legte wütend den Hörer auf.
He angrily hung up the receiver.
Typical collocations
In connection with the telephone, the most important verbs are 'den Hörer abnehmen' (to pick up the receiver; to start a call) and 'den Hörer auflegen' (to hang up the receiver; to end a call).
EXAMPLE
Als es klingelte, hat niemand den Hörer abgenommen.
When it rang, no one picked up the receiver.
Typical form of address
In radio shows or podcasts, the direct address 'Liebe Hörerinnen und Hörer' (dear listeners) is a very common and classic greeting.
EXAMPLE
„Liebe Hörerinnen und Hörer, willkommen zu unserer heutigen Sendung!“
'Dear listeners, welcome to today's program!'
Compare with
Hörer vs Zuhörer
listener
Both words refer to a person who listens to something. „Hörer“ is particularly suitable for radio, podcasts, or a media audience in general. „Zuhörer“ places more emphasis on listening consciously and attentively, especially to a person who is speaking or performing.
Hörer
Die Hörer konnten im Podcast eine neue Folge über gesunde Ernährung anhören.
The listeners could hear a new podcast episode about healthy eating.
Zuhörer
Die Zuhörer folgten dem Vortrag aufmerksam und stellten danach viele Fragen.
The listeners followed the lecture attentively and then asked many questions.
In real life
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